An unconventional Inauguration parade route

As you watch President Barack Obama and his family walk up Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House from the U.S. Capitol during his inauguration, you could learn a bit about Washington by stopping to check out some of these highlights along the route.

Willard Hotel

This hotel’s rich history (Lincoln stayed here before his first inauguration, as did Martin Luther King before his March on Washington), is only part of the appeal for political junkies; the hotel is currently offering an Obama-themed drink: The “Blue Hawaiian.” “People really want to taste that excitement and the energy that’s in the air,” said a bartender. (1401 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest)